Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Definition

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long term lung disease. COPD makes it difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. It will make breathing difficult. COPD includes:

Emphysema — air sacs of lungs are damaged

Chronic bronchitis — airways of lungs are damaged

The changes to lung tissue differ with the two diseases. However, they often occur together. The causes and treatment of each conditions are similar.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Causes

COPD is caused by damage to the lungs. This damage is caused by:

Cigarette smoking

Inhaling toxins or other irritants

Genetic predisposition that makes the lungs more vulnerable to damage from smoke or pollutants (includes alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing COPD include:

Smoking cigarettes

Long-term exposure to second-hand or passive smoke

Family members with COPD

Exposure to pollutants

History of frequent childhood lung infections

Age: 40 years or older

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Symptoms

Early symptoms of COPD include:

Coughing

Increased sputum production (mucus from deep in the lungs)

Wheezing

Shortness of breath with activity

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Increased shortness of breath

Choking sensation when lying flat

Fatigue

Trouble concentrating

Heart problems

Weight loss

Breathing through pursed lips

Desire to lean forward to improve breathing

More frequent flare-ups (periods of more severe symptoms)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor will need to test how impaired your lungs may be. This may be done with:

Lung function tests (spirometry) — to test the force of your breath

Blood test — to test oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood

Your doctor may also need detailed pictures of your lungs. This may be done with:

Chest x-ray

CT scan

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Treatment

There is no treatment to cure COPD. Treatment aims to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment includes:

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking slows the disease. It the most important part of treatment. There are many programs to help you quit including:

Behavior change progam

Medication

Combination of behavior program and medication

Environmental Management

Limit the number of irritants in the air you breathe. It may help make breathing easier. Avoid smoke, dust, smog, extreme heat or cold, and high altitudes.

Medication

Medication for COPD may help by:

Opening the airways

Relaxing the breathing passages

Decreasing inflammation

Treating lung infections (antibiotics)

Some medication may be taken as pills or liquids. Others are inhaled medication that is delivered directly to the lungs.

Vaccines

The flu and pneumonia can make your symptoms worse. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu. The flu vaccine may also reduce COPD flare-ups.

Oxygen

Oxygen therapy may be helpful if the oxygen levesl in your blood are too low. It can relieve trouble breathing and improve energy. You may only need it for specific activities or it may be given throughout the day.

Exercise

Special exercises can strengthen chest muscles. This can make it easier to breathe.

Regular physical activity can reduce the workload on your lungs by building you endurance. Physical acitivty is also associated with improved quality of life. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for activity levels and restrictions.

Breathing and Coughing Techniques

Special methods of breathing can help bring more air into the lungs. It can also help force trapped air out of the lungs. Effective coughing techniques can also help clear mucus from your lungs. Ask your doctor if these techniques can help you. Some examples include:

Pursed lip breathing

Controlled coughing technique

Nutrition

Eating habits to consider with COPD:

Eat a healthy diet. It should be low in saturated fat. It should also be rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

Maintain a normal weight. Excess weight causes the lungs and heart to work harder.

It may be hard to eat because you feel full. Try eating several smaller meals during the day instead of a few large meals.

Slow down your eating pace. This will make it easier to breathe

If you need to gain weight, add food or drinks throughout the day. Talk to a dietitian about how many calories you need each day.

Lifestyle Changes

The following may help you manage COPD symptoms and avoid flare-ups:

Pace your activities.

Learn relaxation techniques and other methods to manage stress.

Seek emotional support from professionals, family, and friends. Anxiety can increase the rate of respiration, making breathing more strenuous.

Surgery

A small number of patients may benefit from surgery. Suregery options include removing a part of the lung or a lung transplant.